Transfer rumours: Winger set to stay at City ‘despite late Championship bid’

Michael Bailey

Published: 2:47 PM January 31, 2018 Updated: 3:04 PM October 10, 2020

Marley Watkins has been linked with a move away from Norwich City during the January transfer window. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Norwich City winger Marley Watkins is set to stay at Carrow Road this window despite January interest – which The Sun claims has included a late bid from Cardiff.

Norwich have rejected a £2million bid from Cardiff for Marley Watkins. Follows on from Bristol City's £1million offer which was knocked back last week. Told the Canaries won't let the Wales winger leave Carrow Road in this window.
— Phil Cadden (@pjcadden) January 31, 2018

The 27-year-old only joined the Canaries as a free agent in the summer, following the expiry of his contract at Championship rivals Barnsley.

As we exclusively revealed, Marley Watkins was the subject of a seven-figure bid from promotion-chasing Bristol City earlier in the month that was rejected by Norwich City.

That interest has since subsided and despite falling out of favour with Canaries head coach Daniel Farke a matter of weeks ago, Watkins is set to remain part of his squad.

In fact, the Wales international was offered an olive branch with a late substitute appearance in the 1-0 Championship win at Brentford on Saturday – his first City outing since New Year's Day.

The deadline day picture was muddied somewhat by The Sun's suggestion Watkins had been the subject of a £2m rejected bid from Cardiff, who have already recruited Norwich winger Yanic Wildschut on loan for the rest of the season.

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However it is unlikely a genuine bid of such size would have been rejected by the Canaries.

Watkins has scored one Carabao Cup goal in his 22 City appearances this season – foot-noted by a wonderful striker against Brighton in pre-season, a needless red card at Reading and his best impact as a half-time substitute in the comeback home Championship win over Sheffield Wednesday.

The January transfer window closes at 11pm on Wednesday, with the surprising permanent exit of promising young Norwich City academy winger Glenn Middleton to Rangers the opening piece of business.

Marley Watkins joined Norwich City as a free agent from Barnsley during the summer, but has struggled so far to make an impact at the Canaries. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd